S1128 would add a new section to South Carolina law making it unlawful for a person registered as a sex offender to enter, remain in, or loiter on the grounds of a municipal, county, or special purpose district park unless the park’s governing authority has given express permission. The bill applies specifically to registered sex offenders under the state’s sex offender registration provisions and targets conduct on public park property.
The bill also creates a criminal penalty for violations. A person convicted under the new section would be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of $100 to $500, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both as allowed by the court. The act would take effect upon approval by the Governor.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would expand South Carolina’s sex offender-related restrictions by creating a new offense tied to presence in public parks. It would add Section 23-3-537 to Title 23, Chapter 3 of the South Carolina Code and give park governing authorities discretion to grant express permission for entry. The measure would affect registered sex offenders, municipal and county park systems, and special purpose district parks, while also giving law enforcement and prosecutors a new misdemeanor charge to enforce.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript, vote history, or recorded debate, so there is no direct evidence of support or opposition in the materials provided. Based on the bill’s subject matter and caption, it appears to be a public-safety and child-protection measure aimed at restricting access to parks by registered sex offenders. The absence of recorded discussion means sentiment cannot be measured from the provided history.
Contention
The main point of contention likely concerns the breadth and fairness of barring registered sex offenders from all municipal, county, and special purpose district parks unless permission is granted. Supporters would likely view the restriction as a precaution to protect children and families in public recreation areas, while critics may argue it imposes a broad categorical exclusion that could be overinclusive, difficult to administer, or raise constitutional and reintegration concerns. No specific objections or amendments are documented in the provided materials.
Similar To
A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 23-3-537 SO AS TO PROHIBIT REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS FROM ENTERING UPON, REMAINING IN, OR LOITERING UPON THE GROUNDS OF MUNICIPAL, COUNTY, OR SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICT PARKS WITHOUT BEING GIVEN EXPRESSED PERMISSION BY THE PARKS' GOVERNING AUTHORITIES, AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES.